SPL defend extension plans

Smith: Fixture backlog

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The Scottish Premier League have insisted they will have no choice but to extend the season if Rangers reach the Uefa Cup final.

Two provisional fixture lists have been published and if Rangers beat Fiorentina in their European semi-final, the SPL will not finish until the 22nd May for clubs in the top six.

That is a four-day extension to the original schedule to accommodate Rangers' fixture backlog, but Walter Smith's side would still have to play on the Tuesday and Thursday in their final week of SPL action.

SPL chairman Lex Gold, who made up the new schedules with secretary Iain Blair, admits that he expected criticism.

"We have had phone calls from some clubs saying 'well done'," said Gold. "We have had phone calls from some clubs complaining they may lose out financially if the last game is midweek.

"I would expect Rangers to be unhappy about the extension not being longer.

Integrity

"If we were to extend beyond the Scottish Cup final we would be having the bulk of our clubs in the top six waiting 17 days for a game. In terms of the integrity of the competition, that is not acceptable.

"Rangers are also going to be unhappy because of the number of games they have to play if they don't reach the final.

"Celtic have made it clear through the press that they expect the season to be completed before May 18.

"We have tried to be fair to the integrity of the competition, fair to our clubs and fair to the fans."

If quadruple-chasing Rangers were to make it through to the final of the Uefa Cup they would have to play four games in eight days, and the Ibrox club has reacted angrily to the plans.

Chief executive Martin Bain has accused the SPL of not helping Rangers in their bid for European glory and questioned why the season could not be extended by a few more days.

Disappointed

"We as a club are really bitterly disappointed in the SPL on all fronts," Bain told the club's official website.

"It is hardly the best preparation in the lead-up to the Uefa Cup final - if we get there - to play Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday in advance of that.

"So I don't see what the SPL have done for Rangers in terms of aiding them in European competition. They have simply accommodated a fixture.

"It's all very well for the SPL to go on about Rangers' co-efficient and how it's great for Scottish football but they are doing nothing to assist us.

"Why is the season simply not extended to conclude on May 27 regardless?"